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While rushing to catch his flight, Senator Jeff Merkley was asked to have his photo taken by a facial recognition machine at airport security. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been testing the use of facial recognition software to verify travelers’ identification at select airports. The technology is supposed to be voluntary, as stated by the TSA to the public and Congress. However, when Merkley declined the face scan, he was told it would cause a significant delay. Despite this warning, Merkley proceeded to show his photo ID to a TSA agent and cleared security without any delay.
This incident raises questions about the true voluntariness of facial recognition technology and its use by the TSA. While the TSA claims that the technology is accurate and aims to improve safety and efficiency, incidents like Merkley’s experience and others highlight concerns about fairness and oversight.
Let’s explore two topics related to the TSA’s use of facial recognition software: the voluntary nature of face scanning and the potential benefits and drawbacks of the technology.
TSA’s face scanning process involves travelers looking into a camera that takes their photo while also scanning their driver’s license or other photo identification. The software then compares the snapshot of the traveler’s face to their ID photo to ensure a match. Additional checks are conducted to verify the legitimacy of the ID and to determine if the traveler belongs to any special screening status.
The TSA claims that facial recognition technology works even if there are differences in hairstyle or age compared to the ID photo. Travelers are allowed to decline the photo and instead have a TSA agent compare their face to their photo ID. According to a TSA spokesman, declining the photo does not lead to longer security clearance times or additional screening.
However, incidents involving Senator Merkley and activist Tawana Petty challenge the TSA’s claim of voluntariness. Petty recounted her experience at Reagan National Airport, where a TSA agent stated that using the facial recognition camera was required. Reluctant to cause delays, Petty went along with the screening even though she opposed the use of facial recognition technology. The Algorithmic Justice League, an organization advocating against the TSA’s use of facial recognition, has started collecting details of people’s encounters with the face-scanning machines, revealing that most respondents were unaware they could decline the checks.
The TSA insists that signs are posted at airports where facial recognition is used to inform travelers of their right to decline. However, Merkley stated that he did not see any such signs during a trip in May. The Algorithmic Justice League recommends that signs explicitly mention the use of facial recognition technology.
Concerns regarding the accuracy of facial recognition systems have also been raised. Research has shown that these systems generally outperform humans in verifying high-quality images, but accuracy varies depending on the circumstances. Previous analyses have shown that facial recognition systems have higher error rates when identifying people of color compared to White individuals, although the disparity has decreased in recent testing. The TSA claims a 97% accuracy rate for its face ID technology, but experts argue that more context and data are needed to evaluate its effectiveness.
Representative Bennie G. Thompson has called for further testing and independent verification of the TSA’s facial recognition software results. Joy Buolamwini, founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, urges the TSA to disclose the commercial software being used and release comprehensive data on error rates across various demographics.
In conclusion, the use of facial recognition technology by the TSA raises concerns about its voluntariness and potential implications. While the technology may offer benefits in terms of safety and efficiency, oversight and transparency are crucial to ensure fairness and accuracy. Further evaluation and public discourse are necessary to address these concerns effectively.
Airports where facial recognition technology has been tested include:
– Reagan National Airport (Washington, D.C.)
– Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (Atlanta)
– Boston Logan International Airport (Boston)
– Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (Dallas)
– LAX International Airport (Los Angeles)
– John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York)
– San Francisco International Airport (San Francisco)
– Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Seattle)
– Miami International Airport (Miami)
– Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (Detroit)
– Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (Minneapolis)
– San Jose International Airport (San Jose)
– Orlando International Airport (Orlando)
– Charlotte Douglas International Airport (Charlotte)
– Chicago O’Hare International Airport (Chicago)
– Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston)
– Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (Las Vegas)
– Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (Phoenix)
– Philadelphia International Airport (Philadelphia)
– Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (Fort Lauderdale)
– Tampa International Airport (Tampa)
– Baltimore-Washington International Airport (Baltimore)
– Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (Cincinnati)
– Denver International Airport (Denver)
– Dallas Love Field Airport (Dallas)
– George Bush Intercontinental Airport (Houston)
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